SLMcT

I'm just waiting for the all clear before I make a trip. It feels like it's been ages - looking to go back for a week before starting work but I'm not sure that's going to tie in too neatly. We have 2 weddings in the UK this year and would like to go to both of them! How about you?

I'd love to go back for a wee trip in May when my new nephew and also cousin's child are both due an entry into the world but it's probably not going to be possible! We're looking at going for two weeks over Christmas and New Year and having a wedding reception for all our Scottish peeps then By then the new family members will be doing slightly more than sleeping, crying and pooping anyway!!!

So has anyone got any plans or thoughts of visits back to their motherland?!

Just an update, USCIS managed to lose my I-765. So I have to get some more photos taken and resubmit! Glad they have the AOS, I would like to see that it's been touched though, that'll probably in another 3 months I guess.

Nightmare! Hope it all moves quickly for you once you resubmit

Ok maybe I'm being a bit thick here.... my status on USCIS webpage has moved from Initial Review to Card/Document Production and it says the following:

On February 21, 2013, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you

receive the card, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

This step applies to applications that result in an applicant receiving a card (such as a "green card") or other document (such as a naturalization certificate, employment authorization document,

travel document, or advance parole). Applications will be in this step from the time the order to produce the card/document is given until the card/document is produced and mailed to the applicant.

You can expect to receive your card/document within 30 days of the approval of your application.

Anyone know what it means? At what point can we apply for posts?

I think it is best to wait until you have the card but mine was approved on the 11th and that is the date shown on the card so it is valid from the date of approval

Hey all, Julian and I were married on the 8th, things have been great! He went to get his SS# this week and the AOS paperwork is going out in the mail tomorrow. For those who are ahead, I see some have had their Work and Travel approved. How did it take for you all? Just trying to get an idea of when he can get to work, I know he is eager.

A wedding photo for you all (Sorry, can't seem to post here from FB!)

Photo for my Feb Forum Friends

STUNNING!!! Congratulations and welcome to married life! My EAD took 60 days to approve. It was approved on the 11th and my card arrived in the mail yesterday

Another update! USPS have picked my EA card and I have a tracking number...expected delivery date is 2/19...a year to the day after Jason proposed!!

I think you'll have the card within a week or two, so I would think you would be fine looking for jobs now. It is up to the employer if they take you on before your card arrives - If you want to be completely safe though, wait for the card.

Thanks for the advice :-) another update came thru today saying it's been mailed so yeah I'm just gonna wait. We're going away for the holiday wknd anyway...might even be waiting for me when we get home!!

Ok so my status was updated again today :-) It reads "On February 14, 2013, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you." Not sure if we actually have to have it in hand to start a job or if our word is enough?!? Any thoughts or knowledge on that one??

Congrats! I've got my fingers crossed for Rob to get his EAD soon. He actually had an interview with a web design and marketing company (they know of his immigration status, so they won't hire him without EAD). They seem interested in him, so the sooner that card comes, the sooner we'll have a two income household.

That's great I have been getting my resume ready to post on Monster and have a few things in mind to apply for

Hope to hear lot more news from everyone soon :-) It'll be interesting to share job hunting stories!!

Woohoo!!! I can work!!! Case status was updated today and the work authorization has been approved :-)

Excited at the prospect of seeing some work permits appearing on doorsteps this month!!! YAY to the thought of becoming a step closer to normality and away from being an 'alien'!!!

What a happy day - you look great!

Finally got around to opening a bank account yesterday - first foreign bank account ever! Biometrics on Friday this week... feels great to be doing something!

Remember to take your marriage certificate! Jason starts a new job down in the thick of Government Ville in DC on Monday which is mucho excitement but also providing a nice dose of stress trying to balance where to live/commute from without paying thru the roof for a 500sqft apartment!!!

I haven't got my name on a bank account yet but Jason got me a credit card joint to his account so I still build credit that way

Biometrics done! I think about 25 people all had an 8am appointment but I was out again by 8.30 Only potential problem I had was that I hadn't read anywhere that I had to take my marriage certificate as I had Travis on the form and McGregor on my passport so they needed to see proof...thankfully I carry a copy in my handbag so problem averted! So ladies...take note...if you want your married name...take your marriage certificate Also...at Baltimore anyway...it says on the letter not to bring cellphones so I left mine in the car...well EVERYONE had one!!! One person used it and got told not to so I guess you just aren't allowed to use them but they don't scan your bag or anything so you can take it in with you

I can relate.... lol!

Me too!!! I consider myself a "Modern Housewife"!!! Cooking, cleaning, shopping, GYM, XBOX!!!!!

Speaking of jobs, what are you guys doing about work? Rob has a few leads from friends who want to put him in contact with their employers, but he hasn't applied anywhere. When can a person apply? After getting the SSN? After the employment authorization goes through?

I'm not sure when we're actually allowed to apply...my thinking is that submitting an application indicates that you are eligible for employment. However i think if you spoke to someone directly or thru a friend, you could note an interest and explain your situation. Jason knew this job was a potential before I arrived so I've not started looking yet...i guess i should once it's all confirmed and we know we're moving!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Loving all the updates!!! I have my biometrics appointment on the 11th in Baltimore In the waiting game of USCIS status checking again!!! Jason is in the final stages of pre-employment for a job that will move us into DC so i'm waiting to do the driving test so I don't have to then pay again to get a new one when we move!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

I believe you should do two photos for each, but the photos I got were not that good, so I only sent the two that I had already - So I'm expecting an RFE on the EAD.

Thanks! I got 4 just in case so I reckon i'll just send them all then...one less thing for them to RFE me on!! I see you got your drivers license...congrats! We're possibly moving soon so have to decide...get one in MD with maiden name and get it changed when we move and I get ID with my married name...or just wait! I read somewhere you can drive for a year on your UK license so just waiting for now...hopefully that's right lol!

Hey all! Great reading all the updates and good news

For those who have sent their AOS/WP forms together...did you send 2 photos for each or just 2 in total? Still waiting for our official wedding certificate from Hawaii but just going to go ahead and send it all in with the temporary one and see what happens! I can handle an RFE now...at least we're together and married lo!

Yes and yes the control number is the nonimmigrant visa number and the Annotation should be the alien number (A number), this should be the same number as the one on the NOA2.

I'm so confused!!! Keep reading different things - red number is the visa number, or control number is?! We're still debating whether or not to chance the temporary marriage certificate! Think we might just go for it so that we can mail both the AOS and WP together now and save money...worst they can do is hit us with an RFE for the real one!

QUESTIONS QUESTIONS QUESTIONS!!!!!

Ok this I-485 form is bringing up questions in my mind!!! Here was me thinking I was good at forms Any help appreciated

Part 1 - Family Name - I put my married name right?

"A#" - Is this the "Annotation" number on the VISA in my passport?

Part 3 - Nonimmigrant Visa Number - is this the "Control Number" on the VISA?

Part 5 - I sign my married name right?!

Thanks! Sarah

Hey guys...quick question...we were told in Hawaii that our wedding cerficate could take a couple of months to arrive, however we could go online and print our temporary one which we have done. Any idea if that will do for the AOS??? Anyone else had this or is it just Hawaii time we're dealing with!!!

Wedding = PERFECT!

Hawaii = INCREDIBLE!

Honeymoon = A DREAM!

I'll add a photo of our wedding to my profile

YAY

Friday flights were amazing and easy...POE at Baltimore was a breeze...being met by Jason looking very handsome carrying a gorgeous single red rose was INCREDIBLE!!! Saturday we actually got on a plane TOGETHER!!! Now in Hawaii all rested up and ready to get married in around 8 hours!!! :dance: